Actions

Little girl asks Pope to share her message

Pope Francis stopped during his parade through Washington, D.C. on Wednesday for a little girl who had broken through the barricades.

Five-year-old Sophie Cruz shied when she saw security officers coming toward her, but the pope saw her and beckoned for them to bring her forward.

Cruz said she wanted to ask the pope to talk to President Obama and Congress about reforming the country's immigration policies so that her parents -- who are undocumented immigrants -- can stay in the country legally.

"My heart is sad," Cruz said, "Because everyday I am scared they will take them away from me."

Cruz and her father Raul are visiting Washington, D.C. with Hermandad Mexicana Transnacional, an advocacy group based in Los Angeles.

The group is calling for Congress to pass the Deferred Action for Parents of Americans, which would extend deportation protections to parents of U.S. citizens and permanent residents who have been in the country for some years. The measure has been on hold ever since 26 states sued to block it.

Pope Francis will address Congress on Thursday, and he is expected to speak about immigration.